This is just a general question. Is there anyone out there that really enjoys playing against Johnny/Hermann? I personally don't find them a challenge at all and really don't enjoy the experience. I have occasionally used them to get a feel for a new scenario, but even then I'd rather play against another player. I have noticed that some players seem to exclusively play the "bot" and wondered what the attraction is. Or am I in the minority?
Also the AI does not seem to be that good IMO.
Great online game though.
Pedroas

I'm with you, Pete. I don't really enjoy playing the AI and am horrified anytime I lose connection and the AI gets a chance to play for me. Every once in a while it does something I'm happy with, but usually I'm not. Thus my keep calm mantra:

I also appreciate a round or two with Johnny or Hermann to try out a new scenario, but at this stage agree with you and prefer to play with a wonderful, unpredictable, wholly more capable real person. So that, as Erik Uitdebroeck shared, we don't experience too many of the "Johnny has a bad day" moments...

Same here: I only go with the AI when I can't find a real opponent. But... bear in mind that different M44 Online players have different skills and experiences and I am sure that the AI will be competitive (thus, be useful) to a significant part of the community. I have a couple of friends relatively new to the game who find it a worthy adversary.

The value of the AI varies by scenario. Johnny does a miserable job defending; he will leave safe cover to take a few extra dice shots, even in the face of overwhelming odds. He does a better job attacking. That said, I generally will only play against the AI for a quick introduction to a scenario, or if I simply cannot find a human opponent (which I find much more challenging and interesting.)

But... bear in mind that different M44 Online players have different skills and experiences and I am sure that the AI will be competitive (thus, be useful) to a significant part of the community. I have a couple of friends relatively new to the game who find it a worthy adversary.

When I think back to my earlier games, this is true. One of the first times I got bumped off due to connection problems 3/4 into a game, Johnny pulled a fairly brilliant move that took me from being down 4-2 to a 5-4 victory. I remember being quite amazed when I saw the replay and learned something new strategy-wise.

Johnny and Hermann just don't have the same enjoyable chat capability that I get with you guys, Pete and Andre!

I remember being quite amazed when I saw the replay and learned something new strategy-wise.

Yes, IGH, The 'BOT has a unique way of attacking at times and can be interesting to see what moves are made as far as position when attacking and something can be learned from that.

And though it is AI, some of the AI's moves, compared to some of my mental blunders, are downright brilliant!!

No, not as enjoyable as playing with a human, the banter at times can be more entertaining that the game/match, but The 'Bot will do in a pinch and when needing a pick me up victory before going back to engage the Human Race, the AI will do!!

Thanks for all your responses, I can see the merits of playing the AI in certain situations and certainly don't wish to belittle anyone who does find them a challenge. The point raised by JAParker regarding Johnny's attack vs defense strategy is very interesting. I tried a quick game of Pegasus as Allies before going to work this morning as I had a few minutes to spare.I was taken by surprise by his tactics as he went on the offensive right from the start and soundly beat me.
Great to get the opinion of others and I must say that Johnny's banter is absolutely awful . Without the banter the game certainly loses a lot of its appeal, in fact without it entirely I would probably stop playing the game, it is that important to me. I find it quite frustrating when an opponent doesn't respond to my banter, I know its language barrier sometimes and will try other languages which sometimes works and sometimes results in a defensive response or derisory comment.
Anyway, I look forward to meeting you all in battle soon I hope.

I often end up playing the AI because of the lack of available opponents anymore.

I'll explain that I'm in the western US, and when I get time to play, its often late. I suspect that most of the M44 world is done for the day and gone to bed. When I can get online, there are often only a dozen or so other players. Most are already in a game (a good number against the AI) and the 2-3 who aren't in a game are usually unresponsive to invites.

I sometimes have to sit for several minutes, waiting for another player to come online to invite, or wait for one of the already in-progress games to finish. Sometimes several minutes is too long to wait and I start a game with the AI instead.

I admit there are times when I give up on it altogether and go play Ticket to Ride instead - there are always lots of players there, and you can get into a game within seconds at any time of day.

Just started back playing after a year off for various reasons,predominantly due to PC failure!
Played Pete last night & we had a very convivial battle (his cards & dice rolls were very unfortunate due to the computer taking pity on my enforced absence!)
The banter was great, i much prefer talking to someone when playing.
Catch ya on the battlefield guys!